The 2021 Acura RDX Type S rumors are coming straight out of nowhere. While we were looking for sources that will tell us more about the performance-oriented mid-size MDX with Type S package, we run into pieces of information about the compact crossover. Well, the new RDX is already available for the 2021 season, but there are no words on the official page about its high-performance edition.
Anyway, Honda, the parent company of the luxury brand, is looking forward to bringing more Type R and Type S models. Currently. Civic hatchback is the only car it offers special tuning. The 2021 Acura RDX Type S might be based on the same platform, since a setup can deliver enough power to upgrade crossover’s outputs. On the other hand, there are speculations that the new model will be a hybrid.
2021 Acura RDX Type S Potential Specifications
We were examining what could happen under the hood of the 2021 Acura RDX Type S. A turbo-four serves as the standard option and it is pretty capable with 275 horsepower. Nevertheless, engineers in Honda can push it further as they did it for Civic Type R. The luxury crossover could get even more ponies, like TLX sedan. The RDX Type S might get the outputs closer to 350 horsepower. A manual transmission is a gearbox for Civic Type R, and the luxury crossover might replace it with a CVT and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. This is one of the best systems we can find in the market. Acura MDX takes advantage of this configuration, as well as the hybrid powertrain.
The compact crossover gets power only from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Compared to the competition, there are no alternatives. We doubt Honda will go with a V6. Instead, a hybrid drivetrain might be a perfect solution. Nevertheless, engineers will have a tough task to make a suitable configuration for the premium model. The Type S needs more than 300 ponies and it is not easy to achieve that with a turbo-four engine. But, we cannot write off chances when speaking of Honda and Acura engineers.
Styling
The Type S package is not only about the powertrain upgrades, although it is the most important. Designers will also have a couple of goals to achieve. More aggressive appearance and sportier interior are required for the 2021 Acura RDX Type S. Again, we can compare it to Civic Type R and previous editions with the Type S badge. For example, the TLX sedan comes with bold design and aggressive lines. Unique details, such as quad tips at the back, are something totally new. Nevertheless, Acura is returning to the market after 11 years with the Type S. The first model is already announced, and it is just a matter of time when will the next vehicle with this package debut.
Expectations
The 2021 Acura RDX Type S will get on the compact luxury crossovers coming from Germany. Nevertheless, even with 350 horsepower, this model cannot compete with AMG versions of Mercedes, or M Performance delivered by BMW. On the other hand, a turbo-four engine would be more powerful than the German configurations. A V6 is pretty much the same as its main rivals. Also, Acura will leave Toyota and Lexus in the dust.
Whatsoever, we are expecting news about hybrid units. Honda will move this way sooner or later, although such a configuration is not confirmed yet for 2021. In the future, the Japanese company is going to deliver cleaner sources of power. It is a goal of all other manufacturers, so the 2021 Acura RDX Type S could start a kind of evolution.
2021 Acura RDX Type S Release Date and Price
The 2021 Acura RDX Type S is the performance model that will cost significantly more than the base version. The price of the luxury crossover starts at $38,000. For example, the Type R of Honda Civic costs $20,000 more than the base version. So, we can expect the RDX Type S around $50,000 if it gets the same engine, or even higher if a V6 gets under the hood. This package is going to add about $10,000 to the standard version.
The TLX is coming out this spring. We will see if the RDX crossover or MDX SUV is the next model to get this package. It is already a surprise why the Type S is coming back after 11 years to the sedan class, instead of the most popular segment of the automotive industry. The concept might be introduced after sales of the TLX starts, while the production is not beginning until the last quarter. We could even see a delay and get the Acura RDX Type S as the 2022 YM.
